Discovering Columbus (not the one in Ohio)

Like most of you all I have read about Columbus at the age, when I hardly paid attention to what I was reading. Only knowledge I could remember at one time, was about his unintentional discovery of what’s now called as North America, though he actually started for India. Then again, when I came to US in late 80s, I have started hearing terms American Indians, Red Indians. That’s when I went back connected dots and found the reasoning for Native Americans being called American Indians / Red Indians.

Topic of Christopher Columbus came into my radar once again during my consulting gig in Toronto this summer, while discussing Indian spices, and what motivated Columbus and associated Europeans to find a new spice route to India. I asked my customer POC, where exactly Columbus had touch down, when he bumped into new found land. My colleague caught off-guard and said he has no clue. After quick reference to Wiki (where else, right?), I have learned that Columbus and his ships (Santa Maria, Nina, and Pinta) had touched actually touched the land what’s now called as Bahamas. Later I got more intrigued, read little more about him, and watched Hollywood Movie 1492, started Gerard Depardieu

Columbus came into my Radar, when I have recently learned that I need to do some consulting gig with a large Enterprise in Columbus, Georgia (which is named after Christopher Columbus itself). Not many folks realize that There is a Columbus in Georgia too. Default question, when I say that I am in Columbus, “Is it Ohio Columbus ?”. Columbus appeared to be not so exciting place, until I saw magazine titled ’51 reasons to meet up in Columbus”. As I was talking to folks around at my client location and folks who I bumped into @ my hotel lobby, I did few exciting things to.

One of them which is River Rafting both on high water and low water, on River Chattahoochee (which happens to within few minutes distance of where I stay). White Water Express claims it to be world’s largest urban river rafting course (Key word is urban). We have also explored thrilling Screaming Eagle Zip Line at Historic Banning Mills too

Below photo blog explore sights and sounds from the City of Columbus as I explored things to do, and importantly vegetarian food that I have relished during my stint here. Sparkling pictures that you see are shot via new Lumia 1020. Loved spicy spud sub @ PHILLY.osophy, one of the spiciest / tastiest pizza in a pub, nicely seasoned rice @ vietenemse place, simple satisfries @ burger king (:-)), snaps from River rafting, video from Zip Lining, walking on the broadway street and lot more. We surprisingly found Taj Mahal in Columbus where I consider Top 5 tastiest & authentic dosa is being served. Do not ask me where are the other 4 places. I have listed 12 places that I have enjoyed dining in Columbus. 12th one happens to be our little kitchen in Marriott and most dishes cooked by our Srikanth Chakkilam, who was like Master Chef Jr. I found him to be cooking with lots of discipline and passion, and is the secret of the tasty food that he whips with lots of ease.

Food that I have enjoyed. Not all places are most kept secret in the world. For example, Taco Bell is listed here 🙂

1) SPICY SPUD SUB @ PHILLY.OSOPHY

I had a smile on my face reading quotes from famous personalities smartly framed “out of context” as ode to food, though context of the original quote was nothing to do with that Be sure to check it out

2) Vietnamese Fried Rice

3) Carrabbas

4) Pizza, Chips, and Dip @ Cannon Brew Pub

5) Mexican Food @ Cantina

7) SatisFries @ Burger King

Simple $3 veggie burger appears larger than life, because of Lumia 1020

8) Taco Bell. Always safe choice for Desi’s. Tried DORITO Tacos for the first time. Fiery, and Cool Racho. Also liked Soft taco with Crispy Potatoes too

9) Surprisingly, I had one of most authentic Masala dosa, I have had in North America. I can rate this as one of the top 5 dosas for me. Do not ask me, what are the other top 4 which I do not remember :-). Biryani was pretty good too. Place is Taj Mahal in Columbus, Georgia